A PAIR of brothers have proved that they were up for the Italian Job when they completed a two-week challenge in style.

Stephen and Michael Poad spent almost a fortnight travelling from Darlington to Rome and back in a re-creation of the legendary Michael Caine film from the 1960s.

For elder brother, Stephen, it was the tenth time that he had taken on the challenge but for Michael it was his first attempt.

Mr Poad said: "Our trip took us through Calais in France to Nurburg and Stuttgart in Germany, onto Innsbruck in Austria then to Imola in Italy, where we stayed for five nights before driving to Quarto d'Altino, Venice onto The Lingotto, Turin, then onto France through Macon, Reims and Calais before crossing back to Dover and finishing at Ashford International Hotel for a farewell dinner and home – 2,970 miles, trouble free.

"We would like to say a massive 'thank you' to all the local businesses and people who have helped us raise more than £2,500 for Variety, The Children's Charity.

The dynamic duo are still hoping to secure even more sponsorship at justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-poad sponsorship page or email info@mmtdarlington.com